Snowbird destinations: Texas, Part 3

The World Birding Center (WBC) is a network of nine sites along 120 miles of river road from South Padre Island west to Roma, with habitats that range from “dry chaparral brush and verdant riverside thickets to freshwater marshes and coastal wetlands.”

Shopping is an adventure in the Mexican border towns. The recommended place to shop is Progreso, officially Nuevo Progreso. Park your car for a small fee on the U.S. side and walk across the Rio Grande Bridge. This little town seems to have been built just for Winter Texans. Every block has dentists and pharmacies, where you can have your dental work completed and save money on prescription medication. Mexican produced liquors, such as tequila and Kahlua are also a bargain. There are many fine restaurants in Progreso and shops sell handmade Mexican craft items, souvenirs, linens, blankets, and toys. Haircuts are also a bargain.

Progreso recognizes the economic contribution of Winter Texans by holding a Winter Texan Appreciation Day toward the end of March, with entertainment in the streets and free margaritas.

Winter reservations on the rise

In a recent press release (October 12) Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) indicates that preliminary reports suggest that the upcoming winter season is shaping up to be at least as busy, if not busier, than last year for campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts that cater to Winter Texans.

“Our members are reporting strong advance bookings that are at least on par with last year’s figures, while some parks are projecting occupancy gains of five to 15 percent or more,” said Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO. Several park operators said they were pleased with the pace of winter reservations for the 2010-2011 season.

Chicago-based Equity LifeStyle Properties, which owns and operates several RV resorts in the Rio Grande Valley, said its initial advance reservations for the upcoming winter were running eight percent ahead of last year’s figures.

Welcome Home RGV reports that more Winter Texans are expected this year because RV park reservations are up about 14 percent compared to last year.

Converted Texans

What do you call Winter Texans who decide to make the Rio Grande Valley their year-round home? They didn’t know what to call themselves—until now!

Welcome Home RGV, a self proclaimed Winter Texan chamber of commerce, and the city of McAllen recently invited hundreds of year-round RV park residents to participate in an event that converted them into Texans.